U.S. and European gamers may be disappointed with the recent move from Blizzard claiming that a new payment method replacing the Real Money Auction House will be coming with the next patch, but for Asian markets only.
"We recognize that many players have expressed an interest in microtransactions being added to Diablo III. While we may explore this model in some regions, we have no immediate plans to implement such purchases anytime soon for the Americas (nor European) region," Diablo community manager Brandy "Nevalistis" Camel posted in the Battle.net forums.
The new microtransactions, which will use real money to trade in-game items, will be included in the upcoming patch 2.2.0. Aside from the new payment method that will be delivered mainly to China, the patch update will also include:
- A new currency called "Platinum"
- Timed experience boosts
- New cosmetic items including wings, non-combat pets, and character portraits
- References to stash space and character slot expansions
- A new UI interface that references the above information
According to reports, the 2.2.0 update will bring new content rather than mere updates. The update is currently in the works, but it will arrive soon to Public Test Regions. This means that the patch update will have public beta testing.
Moreover, it will include three new locations – Unhallowed Essence, Wrath of the Wastes, and Delsere's Magnum Opus. Furthermore, gamers will receive new Legendary items and 15 new Legendary powers.
As of now, there is no specific release date for the 2.2.0 patch update for PC, Mac, Xbox One, or PS4.
Meanwhile, the team of developers working on the "Diablo III" is also developing a new game set in the "StarCraft" universe, which will resemble "Warframe," "Left 4 Dead," "DayZ," and "Smite." No further details and information about the upcoming game has been disclosed yet, but Blizzard will give out more information soon.
